For decades, it seems the gaming landscape has been dominated by MMO and MMORPG games, so it’s hard to imagine they’re in decline. But according to some, the genre is dying slowly, based on numerous factors, such as market oversaturation, time consumption, and new titles that are, at best, buggy and at worst, unplayable. But would the gaming world be the same without Minecraft, Neverwinter, or World of Warcraft? Probably not. The big question is this: Is the genre slowly dying?
But various factors seem to have conspired against the genre. The introduction of ‘play-to-win’ concepts popularised by many mobile games, either versions adapted for the smaller screen or mobile-first games, has also put many players off, especially the old-school who have invested hours of their time attaining objects, achievements, and other features of a traditional MMO / MMORPG. Mobile emerging as a legitimate gaming platform is also a factor in the perceived decline of the genre — mobile gaming has introduced vast new demographics to video gaming, and these new players may not have the time and energy to pour into building a multifaceted character. Let’s delve a little deeper.
Micro-transactions
Call it what you will, in-app/game purchases, micro-transactions, and the over-monetization of video gaming, are a problem for many traditional gamers. This is especially so in the MMO/MMORPG, where prestige is a big incentive in building a relationship with the game, and the acquisition of cosmetic items, achievements, and items like mounts is an integral part of the overall appeal. It’s part of the make-up of the genre, whereas more action-based games, such as first-person shooters like Fortnite or Halo, are less built around this slow-burning development.
Paying for items is seen almost as cheating — there are players out there who have dedicated time and effort to their choice of MMO / MMORPG, and paying to get ahead is, well, it just doesn’t seem right. This could lead to a breakdown within the online playing community itself, as those who pay to get ahead don’t enjoy the respect of their peers in the same way as before.
Time Investment
MMO / MMORPGs have been around for decades and have attracted much the same type of player throughout those years. But times change, and millennials and Gen-Zers have grown up in a digital world where immediate results and speed of action/experience take precedence over long-winded processes. Look at Netflix or other streaming services for a good take — you can control the speed of the show you’re watching to consume large, time-consuming series without ‘wasting’ your time watching it at the pace it was intended. Perhaps the generations who built the long-lasting MMO/MMORPG communities are finally ‘dying out,’ or at least simply don’t have the time anymore due to family or career commitments.
Our lives have become pacier, and younger gamers are leaning towards action-based games rather than titles where you need to go through a learning curve, gradually progress, and take satisfaction from a long-term strategy rather than immediate gratification. That isn’t to say that immediately gratifying games aren’t delightful, however.
Is Mobile a Factor?
Ten years ago, your average gamer would have scoffed at the idea of being able to enjoy legitimate video gaming on a phone or tablet. But the advancement of technology, both in terms of mobile hardware and software, has meant that gamers are being drawn towards their smaller screens to enjoy console classics that have successfully transitioned (Call of Duty, FIFA, et al), as well as mobile-first games such as Angry Birds, which became so successful it spawned an entire franchise.
But while mobile may seem like a factor in the decline of MMO/MMORPGs, it may just be shifting the statistics. The fact that millions more gamers have access to video games via their phones, especially in developing regions such as Africa, where a young, tech-savvy population now has access to affordable technology and powerful, high-speed internet coverage, perhaps MMO/MMORPGs are simply fading into the shadows, rather than losing their seemingly evergreen charms.
A Market and Demographic Shift
Other fast-paced mobile options, including online casino games offered by top-notch online casinos, have become wildly popular. Thousands of vetted, legitimate online operators draw in a demographic that transcends the traditional casino gaming world, enticing players with bonuses, promotions, and ever-more immersive options tailored for the smartphones and tablets we carry in our pockets. Nowadays, players are spoilt for choice when it comes to casino gameplay.
Legalisation and regulation of gambling have also made it safer for gamers to enjoy blackjack and poker and allowed governments to gather valuable revenue. Canada, for example, has recently passed legislation in many of its provinces to regulate local online casinos, along with many other countries in developing markets such as South Africa, much of Europe, and the United States.
The future of MMO/MMORPGs as a dominant force in the gaming landscape isn’t certain. But with such a long pedigree in the gaming world and still many fans playing, full extinction doesn’t seem likely.
